Michael F. Dandino

Michael Francis Dandino, 72, of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, friendship, and family.

Mike and wife Jeannie Dandino (Jeanette M. Lange) spent 49 wonderful years together before Jeannie passed away in 2021. Their sons Andy Dandino (wife Julie Wittman) and Tony Dandino (wife Stacey Wallace Dandino) were extremely fortunate to have had such supportive, encouraging, and loving parents who taught them many lessons, but above all showed them what it looks like to lead lives of kindness, compassion, and generosity.

The second child of Daniel and Mary Dandino, and younger brother to Dan Jr., Mike was born into a boisterous Italian family consisting of a constellation of relatives, near-relations, and close acquaintances. The Dandino home was always full of loud laughs and colorful stories – traits that would come to be associated with Mike throughout his life.

A lifelong learner with a curious mind and a love of knowledge, Mike's childhood was full of books and creative pursuits. He was a proud graduate of McBride High School, where as a member of the school newspaper staff, his writing passion and skills grew.

He attended college at the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating in 1972 with honors in political science, all while continuing an inter-state-school relationship with Jeannie as she attended Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. It was at Mizzou where the couple met some of the people who would become lifelong friends: The Shorty's Bar & Grill crew. Close relationships that began during these years continued in following decades, with occasional reunions and regular check-ins.

Following college and marriage, Mike and Jeannie moved to Kansas City, where Mike went to law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The boys were born in KC, where the family lived until October of 1985 when they returned to the St. Louis area.

As an attorney, Mike knew all the expected lawyer jokes (and probably was the first person in a room to tell them), but he had a respect for the law. He began his career working for Jackson County, Missouri, where for a decade he advised county legislature and other administrative officials on matters of government law.

Following several years at private property tax firms, he began working for the State of Missouri Office of Public Counsel. For 15 years he served as a consumer advocate, relishing his role in protecting residents from inappropriate or extravagant rate increases proposed by utility companies. It was work that fit with his personal philosophy of "looking out for the underdog so they don't get bit by the big dog."

Over the years, Mike continued to enjoy writing, particularly observational pieces about life in short essays he called "front porch philosophizing." For several years he was a contributor to the OpinionShapers column of the Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis newspaper, where he covered topics ranging from public policy to the merits of a good cup of coffee.

One of Mike's favorite ways to spend time was simply talking with people. He enjoyed the art of conversation, engaging others on any number of topics, such as current events, classic "Far Side" comic strips, soundtracks for musicals, local sports teams, favorite places to get salami on The Hill, or the best scenes from "The Godfather." His open and gregarious nature invited others in, made them feel comfortable and welcome. And he and Jeannie cherished time spent with family and others close to them. Between the Dandino and Lange families, there were frequent gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions that they enjoyed.

Mike will be laid to rest alongside Jeannie in a private family ceremony. A celebration of life event where those who knew Mike are invited to gather to honor his memory will take place Sunday, May 7, from 3-5 p.m. at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel in St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mike's memory to the charity of your choice, or to organizations that support literacy, journalism, or public policy. Celebrate him by reading books and newspapers, enjoying good music and movies, continuing to learn and discover more about the world, and by spending quality time with the people you care about.

To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.